Cholesterol can be good or bad. They are the fat molecules in your body that your cells need to function. High cholesterol is commonly used to describe the amount of cholesterol carried in the blood by low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, which is called “bad cholesterol.” High levels of LDL increase the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition in which deposits of cholesterol, calcium, and white blood cells form plaques in the walls of arteries. Uncontrolled cholesterol can have the following complications like heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis etc. There are some reasons behind bad cholesterol that should be known.Also Read – High cholesterol symptom: 1 ‘smelly’ sign that indicates your cholesterol is too high
Dr. Vikrant Shah, Consulting Physician, Intensivist and Infectious Disease Specialist, Zen Multispeciality Hospital Chembur, spoke to India.com about the 10 most common causes of bad cholesterol. Also Read – High cholesterol: Your eyes can detect these 3 warning signs of bad cholesterol
10 major risk factors that can cause your cholesterol levels to suddenly rise
- Bad eating habits: Did you know? Choosing a diet rich in saturated fat or trans fat can raise a person’s cholesterol levels. Furthermore, full-fat dairy products contain saturated fat. Packaged snacks or sweets contain trans fats.
- Obesity: Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 may increase the chance of high cholesterol.
- Lack of physical activity: Are you one of those who avoid exercising daily? Then, you are doing it all wrong. Exercise can help you stay in great shape. It can help you enhance your overall well-being. Regular exercise can help increase the level of “good” cholesterol in the body.
- Smoking: It is a known fact that smoking is harmful to health as it can cause cancer and heart problems. Also, it can lead to high cholesterol levels.
- Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can be a factor behind your high cholesterol levels.
- Age: High cholesterol is mainly seen in people above 40 years of age. This is because, as a person gets older, the liver cannot function properly and cannot remove LDL, which is bad cholesterol.
- Family history: People with a family history of high cholesterol should pay more attention to their health because they may be at greater risk.
- Certain medications: May increase triglyceride levels. So, take medicines only after consulting the doctor.
- Stress: Prolonged stress can cause people to start smoking or drinking and that can raise a person’s cholesterol levels.
- Hypothyroidism and Diabetes: If you have diabetes or hypothyroidism, your cholesterol levels may be abnormal.
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